In-Wall Computing Device Power-Line Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices require external power supplies and Ethernet connections, taking up space and generating heat, and often necessitate multiple gang-box installations for power and networking, which is inefficient and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
An in-wall computing device that utilizes AC power from electrical circuits for both power supply and networking, featuring internal data injection and receiving circuitry, allowing for processing capabilities and power-line networking within a wall-mounted housing, eliminating the need for external power adapters and reducing cabling and physical footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional computing devices use external power supplies and Ethernet connections, then they can provide reliable power and networking, but they occupy more space and generate additional heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply unit and Ethernet networking unit into the main circuit board assembly, eliminating external power adapters and separate Ethernet devices. This merging reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining reliable power delivery and networking capabilities through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable serves dual functions by providing both power delivery and networking connectivity simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power and network connections, reducing space requirements while maintaining system reliability.
2Device complexity
If conventional computing devices require external power adapters and Ethernet cables, then they can provide stable power and network connectivity, but they require additional cabling and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power adapter functionality and Ethernet networking functionality directly into the main circuit board, eliminating external power adapters, separate Ethernet devices, and additional cabling. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining connection stability through unified internal architecture.
3Area of stationary object
If computing devices are installed in multiple gang-boxes, then they can provide adequate space for components, but the installation becomes less aesthetically pleasing and more space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the computing device to fit within a single gang-box by combining power supply, Ethernet networking, and processing components into one compact unit. This eliminates the need for multiple gang-boxes, improving wall space utilization and installation aesthetics.
4Power
If external power supplies are used, then sufficient power can be delivered to the computing device, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is integrated into the main circuit board, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation through direct thermal coupling with the board's heat sinks and ventilation pathways. This integration reduces heat generation compared to external power supplies while maintaining adequate power delivery capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables compact, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing integration of computing and networking within wall spaces, reducing space requirements and heat generation while maintaining functionality through AC-powered processing and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The internal data injection circuitry is operative to receive outgoing data from the CPU and to inject the outgoing data into the AC signal
Implementation Method 2
internal power supply circuitry that is operative to receive the AC signal from the power connector, to convert the AC signal into a Direct Current (DC) signal, and to supply the DC signal to the CPU
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities and power-line networking capabilities. An in-wall computing device has a power connector for receiving an Alternating Current (AC) signal from a power source and a housing that is sized for installation into an electrical wall box. The device may have internal data injection circuitry for injecting data into the AC signal or may have internal data receiving circuitry for extracting data from the AC signal. A system includes at least two in-wall computing devices, each having a power connector for receiving an AC signal from a power source. A first device has a user input interface and internal data injection circuitry for transmitting user input data to a second device over the AC signal. The second device has internal data receiving circuitry for extracting the user input data and controlling peripherals attached to peripheral ports of the device according to the data.